Donetsk leader: Kiev's troops must go after referendum

A separatist leader from Donetsk region said it would form its own state bodies and consider Ukraine's government soldiers in the region "occupiers" once results of the self-rule referendum were announced.

A woman casts her ballot in Donetsk. Credit: Reuters

"All military troops on our territory after the official announcement of referendum results will be considered illegal and declared occupiers," Denis Pushilin, a leader of the self-styled Donetsk republic said, according to Interfax news agency.